A little sad:(

So I was ok when it was time to pack up Jackson's swing. I was even ok when it was time to pack up his bumbo seat and boppy lounger. When he was to big for the bouncer seat I started to realize he was growing up to fast. When I moved him to his big boy carseat I got a little emotional. But I have to say that when I packed up his baby tub last week I lost it. And if I'm going to be honest I did more than just tear up... I cried...like a baby. His bath tub was the last "baby" item he was still using. I have to somehow come to terms with the fact that my little baby is turning into a toddler super fast. Not sure that I like it. Just once I wish I could freeze time.

                         Then...


                             Now.....

Still have lots to be Thankful for!!

Day 14
I am thankful for good health. Chris and I have been blessed with our good health. With the exception of my Thyroid issues we are pretty healthy. And more importantly Jackson is healthy. As a parent I consider that a HUGE blessing. He had a runny nose for a few days but other than that we have been very lucky. Knock on wood it will stay that way!

Day 15
I am thankful for the people who love my son. If there is one thing he isn't short on it's love. The women who work in the nursery at church are a huge blessing to me. Jackson adores them and every Sunday they pour their love on him. Because of that Chris and I are able to enjoy the church service. Our friends are always there willing to help. Especially when I need somebody to help watch him in the spur of the moment. Jackson has so many "aunts" and "uncles".  Our families love him to the moon and back. Not every child can say that they have 2 sets of grandparents and 3 sets of great grandparents. I don't think he will ever know truly how much he is loved:)

Day 16
I am thankful for McDonald's sweet tea. Yes I know this sounds silly but in my eyes it is one of the best things ever created! There isn't anything that a big ole glass of Mickey D's sweet tea can't fix!

Day17
I am thankful for time spent with Jackson. My house may not always be clean, there may be piles of laundry to do, or dishes to be washed but at the end of the day that isn't what matters. What matters is that I made time for Jackson. Time to go to the park and eat frozen yogurt. Time to swing....even when he wants to swing for 45 min. Time to sing and time to dance. I know he is to young to understand it now but one day I hope he can look back and say that his mommy made time to make memories.

Day 18
I am thankful for the quiet moments of my day. Now I don't have many of those...which is why I am SO THANKFUL for the few I have:). On days when Jackson sleeps in, I find myself still getting up at 6 just to enjoy some peace and quiet. You know eating breakfast without cheerios flying around. Being able to pee without somebody looking at you! Sometimes if I'm lucky naptime will fall during Ellen and I will get to watch it...all of it...uninterupted. It's funny how having children will make you appreciate the little things a whole lot more!!

Day 19
I am thankful for the last 9 months. Today my child is 9 months old. My oh my where has the time gone? I am thankful for every sleepless night, every crazy hectic day, every cry, every ounce of spit up, every mess that had to be cleaned up, every exhausting moment of every single day. I am thankful for every smile, every laugh, every song we have sung together, every teachable moment, every single ounce of joy that sweet boy has brought to my life. I am thankful for what the last 9 months has taught me. That I can operate on zero hours of sleep. That I can love somebody more than myself, more than anybody else. That I can do anything I set my mind to. I love you Jackson Ryan!

Day 20
I'm thankful for love. Last week I had the honor of being a part of my best friend's wedding. When I think back on where we were 10 years ago I never would have thought either one of us would be married. This very special friend of mine has had her fair share of ups and downs but love always prevailed. And it's that kind of love I am thankful for. The kind of love that no one or nothing can destroy. The kind of love that makes you fight for what you want and what you believe in. To watch her marry the man of her dreams made me SO happy. She fianlly got her fairy tale. I am so thankful that my best friend....someone who deserves the world...found that love:)

Day 21
I am thankful that Jackson is saying mama:) That is all!

More things I am thankful for!

Day 10
I am thankful that Chris and I are able to park BOTH  cars in our garage. It is so nice to get into a warm car on cold days and in a dry car on rainy days. We knew when we bought a house that it had to have a garage big enough for our cars and all our stuff:) It does take work to maintain but it is sooooo worth it!!!

Day 11
I am thankful for my dog Link:) He is the perfect dog for Jackson. When I was pregnant he never left my side. Now that Jackson is here he never leaves his side. He is so gentle with Jackson...even when he pulls his hair lol. I couldn't ask for a better dog. He is spoiled and very needy at times but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Day 12
I am thankful for my women's group at church.When God called me to lead it 2 years ago I ran the other way. I didn't think I was qualified to lead a group of women in doing God's work. I quickly learned that God doesn't call the qualified he qualifies the called. Once a month I get to meet with, pray with, and most importantly eat with a group of amazing women. Just kidding about food being the most important lol. I am also thankful for the hearts of these women. They each have a desire to serve God and I am so thankful for that. Whether its their time, money, or resources they give it willingly. They each bring something different to our group and there is never a dull moment when we are together. Each month God gives me a devotion to share that always ends up speaking to me more than I thought it would. Only God could bring together a diverse group of women and use them in an incredible way.

Day 13
I am thankful for my sister-in-laws. I grew up with 2 older brothers, and every birthday I would wish for a sister. Well I finally got not one but two! And I couldn't ask for anything better. I am thankful not only for them being my sisters but for them loving my brothers like they do. Michele and Tina have become very special to me and I love them both soooo much.

Thankfulness continued...

Ok so I am still a little behind but thats ok!!!

Day 6
I am thankful for my parents. When I think about how I want to be and how I want my life to be on down the road they are my role model. They are the most amazing people I know. They raised me (and my brothers) to be responsible. And by responsible I mean responsible for myself and my actions. I can't stand people who think they can just do whatever without consequences. They taught us to work hard. Another one of my pet peeves: people who think they are entitled to something or somebody owes them something in life. You get what earn. If you work hard and work smart you can have anything you want. Kids today don't think that way. They think everything should just be given to them. My parents have built a good life for themselves because they worked hard. They taught us how to care about people and how to love. I remember thinking when I was little that I wanted a husband just like my daddy. The way he treated my mom just made my heart melt. They taught us about respect. How to respect them and other people. Even today at the age of 27 I would NEVER talk to my parents the ways some kids do today. They taught us the value of time. My parents were so involved in our lives and still are. They never missed one of my basketball games and that meant a lot to me. I never once doubted if they cared. Now that we are all grown they invest their time into the grandkids and that is special. My parents are 2 of my best friends and I am so grateful for that. Now back in the day I thought my mom was mean and my dad was scary but I think I am better off because of it. I am so glad they were mean parents!

Day 7
I am thankful for unanswered prayers. You know sometimes we get so mad at God for not giving us what we think we need. But we just can't see what better things he has planned for us. There have been countless times when I thought God just wasn't listening. Times when I thought he just didn't care. But each time when I finally just waited for him he blessed me with way better things. We just have to learn to trust that God always knows best:)

Day 8
I am thankful for my past mistakes. Now I know this sounds just as crazy as being thankful for laundry but it's true. My mistakes are a little bit of what has made me who I am today. All those "Learning Experiences" have a purpose. They are what teach us. Sometimes they teach us about ourselves and sometimes they teach us about other people. Either way they are a vital part in who we are. Some I am more ashamed of than others but I have accepted the fact that they are all apart of who I am. Just think how boring our lives would be if we didnt have stories to tell about ourselves haha!

Day 9
I am thankful for coffee. It is a simple thing, but somedays it is the ONLY thing that can get my day going. Where or where would I be without my coffee??? I don't even want to think about it! I am also thankful for my Keurig coffee maker my hubby bought me after Jackson was born...I needed something quick and easy:)

30 Days of Thankfulness

Ok so I have decided to do this blog challenge of stating what I am thankful for. As you can see I am 5 days behind but better late than never!!

Day 1
I am thankful for my Savior Jesus! Without him there wouldn't be any other blessings. He is my rock, my strength, my safe hiding place. Without him I would be nothing. He has blessed my family in more ways than I ever thought possible. He has picked me up and wiped my tears away more than once. He has calmed many storms in my life. He loves me even when I don't deserve it. My life wouldn't be the same without him being the boss of it. I am so thankful he saved me!

Day 2
I am thankful for my husband. God knew exactly what I needed when he brought us together. I am so proud of the man that he has become. He is an amazing husband and an incredible dad. He is a godly man who strives everyday to be the man that God has called him to be. He works hard to provide for our family. He lets me stay home and raise our little boy and I am so thankful for that. He loves me for who I am....crazy I know haha. He has a big caring heart and that is one of the many reasons I married him. Everyday I fall more and more in love with him:)

Day 3
I am thankful for my son. He is the greatest gift God has given me. He is a huge blessing in our lives. He has a smile that lights up my day, a contagious laugh that can make any bad day better, and a love for his mommy and daddy that no one could ever replace. I am so amazed out how much he is learning everyday.  I am so thankful that God has called me to be his mommy!!

Day 4
I am thankful for my friends. My real true friends. My friend who have stood behind me as well as beside me. Real true friends are hard to find these days but I have been fortunate enough to have several. These are people who listen when I need someone to talk to and never judge me. These are people who I may not get to see or talk to as often as I would like to but when we do get together we pick up right where we left off. I would go to the ends of the world for these select few and I now they would do the same for me. Each one brings something different to my life. God knew the things I would need in my life and he surrounded me with people to provide those things.

Day 5
I am thankful for piles of laundry....clean and dirty. Why? Well dirty laundry means that we have clothes to wear. And if I look closely I see that we have lots of clothes to wear and thats a blessing. Piles of clean clothes mean we have a washer and dryer and running water. Things that sometimes I take for granted. And by having piles of both clean and dirty means that our lives are so full that we don't have time to do it:)

Recipes we are LOVING!!

One of the things I love about being a stay at home mom is having time to cook and try out new recips. Here are a few that we have enjoyed over the last couple of weeks.

Spinach and Pasta Bake

(This recipe was so good even Jackson loved it! And it is very budget friendly!)



8 oz uncooked rigatoni (I used penne)

1 T olive oil

1 c chopped onion

1 (10 oz) pack frozen spinach, thawed

3 c cubed, cooked chicken breasts

1 (14 oz) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained

1 (8 oz) container Philadelphia chive & onion cream cheese

½ t salt, ½ t pepper

1½ c shredded mozzarella cheese

Prepare rigatoni according to pkg directions.  Spread oil on bottom of 11x17 in baking dish; add onion in a single layer.  Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or just until tender.  Transfer onion to large bowl, set aside.

Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between paper towels.  Stir in rigatoni, spinach, chicken, & next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl.  Spoon mixture into dish & sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.  Bake covered at 375 for 30 minutes; uncover & bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly.

Cheesy Beefy Enchalada Casserole

(If you have ever had the taco bake kit from Old El Paso this tastes a lot like it but with a lot less sodium...Score!!!)

Ingredients1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 large onion, chopped or season with Onion powder or minced onion
2 1/2 cups salsa
1 can (15 ounces) black beans or red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup reduced-fat Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
6 flour tortillas (8 inches)
1 small can of drained corn, or about 1 1/4 cups of frozen corn (optional)
3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream *Note: I used 1/2 cup
2 cups (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Directions
In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
Stir in the salsa, beans, dressing, sour cream, taco seasoning and cumin.
Spoon a generous layer of meat mixture on bottom of 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with grated cheese.
Place a flour or corn tortilla on top of meat mixture. Layer with half of the meat mixture, and cheese. Repeat as many layers as you like.
The last & final layer should be a healthy dose of grated cheese.
Cover with foil that has been sprayed with pam or other and bake at 400° for 25 minutes, or until hot & bubbly.
Let stand for 5 minutes before topping with lettuce, cilantro, etc

The Best BBQ Sandwhich:)

(3 ingridients...yep just 3!)

pork butt (I used 2.5 lb - but you can use whatever size needed for your family)

1 can Diet Pepsi

1/2 bottle Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

Lawry's Seasoning Salt

Generally coat pork butt with Lawry's seasoning salt, don't be afraid to cover it all! Place in crock pot and pour in soda and barbecue sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. If you have a larger piece of meat, it will probably take longer. After 4 hours or so, take two forks and shred the meat into bite size chunks. Let it sit in the juice to soak up all that flavor. It can stay on warm in crock pot while serving, and can easily be reheated the next day. Serve on a kaiser roll and add more barbecue sauce if needed.

 

 

 

                                                        Creamy Tortalini Soup

Ingredients

1 1/2 - 2 ounce envelopewhite sauce mix

4 cups water

14 ounce canvegetable broth

1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

1/4 teaspoon salt 

 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

7 - 8 ounce packagedried cheese tortellini (about 2 cups)

12 ounce canevaporated milk

6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves or torn spinach

 Place dry white sauce mix in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Gradually add the water to the white sauce mix, stirring until smooth. Stir in broth, mushrooms, onion, garlic, basil, salt, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Stir in dried tortellini. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 1 hour more or high-heat setting for 45 minutes more. Stir in evaporated milk and fresh spinach. If desired, sprinkle individual servings with black pepper and Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 servings.